This book elaborates leading-edge economic, political and social issues about Japan. Japan has the world’s tenth largest population, with about 128 million people. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the capital city of Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures, is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 30 million residents. A major economic power, Japan has the world’s second largest economy by nominal GDP. It is a member of the United Nations, G8, G4 and APEC, with the world’s fifth largest defence budget. It is also the world’s fourth largest exporter and sixth largest importer and a world leader in technology and machinery.